A project Dunbar Mayor Terry Greenlee has had his eye on completing since he took his oath of office three and a half years ago, is nearing completion.
Greenlee provided an update on the senior center and emergency shelter that has been under construction in the basement of City Hall for months during Dunbar's City Council meeting Tuesday night.
"The project is finally coming around," Greenlee said. "Government wheels work very slow. But it is a reality now - we are down to touch-ups and cleanup."
An open house for the new center, which was partially funded through a state Community Participation grant, is scheduled for sometime during the first or second week of March.
The new senior center will be much more than a place to grab a hot meal and chat, Greenlee said. It includes a computers, crafts, an exercise room, televisions and a full kitchen.
The city also will offer workshops at the center for topics seniors are interested in or impact them. The center will have longer hours, remaining open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
In addition to providing labor throughout the project, Dunbar approved the final $30,000 needed to complete the $75,000 project. Greenlee praised city employees for their work on it.
The center will also serve as an emergency shelter if needed and is stocked with cots and other emergency supplies.
Council also approved moving forward with a project to install new playground equipment at City Park with the help of a federal grant.
"The new equipment gives kids something to do other than sit around and play video games; to get out and exercise, that is what this is for," Greenlee said.
The equipment is geared toward pre-school and young school children. It also is focused on improving their upper body strength and overall health by design.
Dunbar will again put up matching funds for the grant, again in the form of materials and labor. The city will build a new shelter that will be able to fit 100 people near the new playground at City Park.
"We want to take care of the youth in our neighborhoods and give them something to do outside," Greenlee said. "If they've got things to do, they are less likely to get into trouble."
The city will purchase the equipment as soon as possible. The project is slated to start this spring.
Also on Tuesday, Dunbar Building Inspector Hugh Leishman gave updates on the construction at two retailers: Aldi and Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
Aldi, which has had a home in Dunbar for many years, is currently closed for renovations but is moving right along. The store is expected to reopen next month.
Ollie's should be opening in five to six weeks, and currently is hiring.
In other business, council approved Feb. 6 meeting minutes.